UK Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis has strongly criticized Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir for mocking Gaza flotilla activists and sharing a video documenting his actions on social media. “I have rarely seen the Jewish world so united in revulsion than in its response to this shameful display. Such conduct is the very antithesis of our core Jewish values and an awful Chillul Hashem,” Rabbi Mirvis remarked.
The uproar began on Wednesday, following Ben-Gvir’s visit to an Ashdod Port facility where Gaza flotilla activists were being detained. During this visit, he confronted those held and subsequently shared video footage of both the confrontation and their treatment online.
The fallout from this incident provoked significant international backlash, prompting several nations to summon Israeli ambassadors to address the matter and calls for sanctions against Ben-Gvir.
On Thursday morning, the UK government summoned the Israeli Chargé d’Affaires to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office in light of the video posted by Ben-Gvir. A statement issued by the Foreign Office noted: “This behaviour violates the most basic standards of respect and dignity for people. We are also deeply concerned by the detention conditions depicted and have demanded an explanation from the Israeli authorities. We made clear their obligations to protect the rights of all those involved.”
In the wake of this situation, Israeli Minister of Foreign Affairs Gideon Sa’ar denounced Ben-Gvir’s actions, claiming he “knowingly caused harm to our State in this disgraceful display – and not for the first time. You have undone tremendous, professional, and successful efforts made by so many people – from IDF soldiers to Foreign Ministry staff and many others.” He added, “No, you are not the face of Israel.”
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also expressed his disapproval of Ben-Gvir’s actions: “Israel has every right to prevent provocative flotillas of Hamas terrorist supporters from entering our territorial waters and reaching Gaza. However, the way that Minister Ben Gvir dealt with the flotilla activists is not in line with Israel’s values and norms. I have instructed the relevant authorities to deport the provocateurs as soon as possible.”
{Matzav.com}
If you knew who’s managing Ben Gvir’s political campaign, a lot of what he says and does makes a lot more sense.
P.S. Are people condemning Spain’s police, who beat these same people as they were being dragged and restrained on the floor, with the same vehemence as they condemn Ben Gvir?